Firefighter cancer registry could be created

Firefighters of the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department received medals in recognition of their life-saving actions this year. Video by Geoffrey Wilson/Poughkeepsie Journal
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Firefighters from over a dozen departments battle a stubborn fire at the Gap Distribution Center in Fishkill Aug. 29, 2016. The large warehouse is located at the intersections of Interstate 84 and Route 9 in Fishkill.(Photo: Frank Becerra Jr./Poughkeepsie Journal)Buy Photo

The registry would be managed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, according to a release from Sen. Charles Schumer. The registry would compile the incidences, make anonymous data available to researchers, and allow for increased collaboration between firefighters, experts and those investigating the links between the profession and the illnesses.

Rep. Chris Collins said the House of Representatives is expected to pass amended legislation in the coming weeks.

In the release, Schumer cited research that has found a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers including testicular, stomach, multiple myeloma and brain cancers. He said firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins such as asbestos and flame retardants that are linked to cancer.

“We owe it to our brave firefighters who are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect our communities the peace of mind of knowing that if they get sick they will be taken care of,” Schumer said in the statement. “This critical legislation does just that by establishing a national firefighter cancer registry, so researchers can better track, treat — and one day — prevent the potential connections between firefighting and cancer. I’m glad the Senate finally passed this legislation and I strongly urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this life-saving bill immediately."